A WALK by the coast is not only bracing it also helps you to sleep like a child, a study has discovered.

People who take a seaside stroll sleep an extra 47 minutes and will feel happy and calm after getting away from it all.

The benefits of a coastal walk are also greater than ramble inland, the research by the National Trust found.

Coastal walkers have longer and better-quality sleep than inland walkers and also wake up more alert.

The charity, which manages 775 miles of the UK's coastline, has 1,000 downloadable walks available of which one in three is by the sea.

Environmental psychologist Eleanor Ratcliffe said: "Coastal walkers are getting more sleep and are more likely to show increased sleep quality and morning alertness.

“In addition, coastal walkers associated their walks with family, childhood memories and the anticipation of holidays.

“It’s clear that there is something special about the coast, particularly as a place to escape to that can allow people to boost their mood, relax and sleep in.’’

The findings were released as part of the trust’s Great British Walk campaign with Cotswold Outdoor.

Coastal walkers are getting more sleep and are more likely to show increased sleep quality and morning alertness.

Eleanor Ratcliffe, environmental psychologist

It found that 63 per cent of people found coastal walks offer a distraction from the stresses of everyday life, while 55 per cent said it made them feel positive about their lives in general.

Coastal walks also provide feelings of calm (for 83 per cent), happiness (82 per cent) and a sense of escapism (62 per cent), while 69 per cent said they fall into a deeper sleep afterwards.

Ironically a National Trust report last month said Britons make fewer trips to the coast than a decade ago, mainly because our lives are so busy. Julia Bradbury, who presents ITV’s The Wonder Of Britain, said: ‘‘I’ve walked the length and breadth of the country and taken in more than my fair share of coastal walks.